Eleanor Holmes Norton, after 18 terms as DC’s nonvoting delegate, filed to end her reelection bid, signaling the likely end of a decades-long public service career.

A crowded field is forming to replace Norton, with more than a dozen candidates including Jacque Patterson, Kinney Zalesne, and DC Councilmembers Brooke Pinto and Robert C. White Jr., vying for the seat Norton has held since 1991.

At 88, Norton has faced scrutiny amid debates over DC autonomy and federal oversight, with questions about whether she remains an effective representative for the capital.

Public commentary from within local politics, including Donna Brazile, questioned whether Norton still had the dynamism to lead.

Public interest in Norton’s health intensified as she largely withdrew from public appearances during pivotal moments, including federal moves to take control of DC’s police operations.

Her decision unfolds against broader debates over Washington, DC autonomy and federal oversight under the Trump era, shaping expectations of her role in Congress.

The discussion sits within a wider context of federal actions in DC—changes to public institutions, law enforcement, and National Guard deployments under a more aggressive federal stance.

Norton’s departure comes amid broader local political shifts in DC, with Mayor Bowser also opting not to seek reelection and multiple council members pursuing other offices.

The termination followed indications that former senior counsel Trent Holbrook planned to challenge Norton, signaling internal competition for the seat.

Fundraising challenges and pressure from prominent Democrats preceded the decision not to pursue another term.

The campaign termination followed a FEC notice and was prompted by public discussions sparked by a potential internal challenger.

Norton’s campaign filed a termination report with the Federal Election Commission, with no official statement from Norton released yet.